Best Rated Shopping in Oakland

Shopping places

Jack London Square - This busy site at the water's edge has dining, entertainment, shopping, and spots for daydreaming. Take a ferry ride, stroll the scenic Boardwalk, catch a movie or just relax at a sunny side walk cafe. (510) 814-6000

People's Market: Social Justice Marketplace in West Oakland

Did you know that up until 2002 (when People's Market opened) there were no grocery stores in West Oakland? There were 53 liquor stores. This project challenges lots of the "market assumptions" that I hate to admit have moved jobs and money out of "undesirable/unmarketable" communities. We need to support mom & pop markets in these communities.

I love inspiring projects like this that sprout up like fruits through the cracks in the concrete.

The People Market provides the West Oakland community:Healthy foodEmploymentAdult cooking classesUrban Agriculture classes and resources

This project was promoted by Karma Tube at http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=361

What to buy:
Healthy, organic, environmentally aware, locally produced groceries

Related to:

Eco-Tourism

Study Abroad

Family Travel

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market hall: deli and grocery

This is the cutest little upscale deli with great grocery items that you don't see everyday. The cheese section is tiny but packed. The staff is knows their stuff. There is a wine store, an olive oil section, pastries, coffee, good chocolates, produce, meats, seafood and of course the DELI counter. Always lots of people in line for the deli.

I love the salads and the homemade soups. I buy most of food here to serve on my private jets when I fly out of OAK. My passengers are always happy with everything.

What to buy:
I would buy fresh flowers for my plane, then go inside have a coffee, sit relax and write out my grocery list. I would buy way too much then stop and buy chocolates for the jet and myself.

What to pay:
Prices are about on par with Whole Foods.

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Abigail: Retail Therapy on Piedmont Avenue

As vierka described in her tip on Piedmont Avenue boutique shopping, this street is a great place to stroll and find wonderfully charming shops and restaurants. My favorite boutique there is Abigail, a bright, cozy shop filled with beautifully tailored designer clothes, gorgeous imported lingerie, and some lovely accessories. The styles are always elegant and sophisticated, and the ladies who work there are very helpful -- the customer service is spot on. When you're done shopping, pop into the adjacent bookstore or the tea shop a couple doors down for a cup of tea. Fabulous!

What to pay:
recommended retail price (or much less during their sales!)

Related to:

Business Travel

Luxury Travel

Women's Travel

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Don't Eat the Furniture: Boutique Stroll: Piedmont Avenue

Great, eclectic and intimate gift store, targeted to women between 25 +. Looking for an unusual outfit, antiquey home furnishing, jewelry, or European bath and beauty products? Then this place is for you.

What to buy:
I happened to find the coolest Zazou "Mod" 100% silk scarf featuring graphics of Twiggy and other 60s icons here.

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